Muntazer al-Zaidi: "I Am Not A Hero"

Iraqi journalist, Muntazer al-Zaidi, is seen here throwing his shoes at the devil. (Image Credit)

You may remember that Al-Zaidi was sentenced to three years in prison for throwing his shoes at George W. Bush during a news conference in Baghdad on December 14, 2008.

The sentence was later reduced to one year after thousands of Iraqis vented their anger in support of Al-Zaidi.

(Image Credit)

Today, Al-Zaidi was released on a conditional discharge which in Iraqi law means he has served the majority of his sentence with good behavior.

Al-Zaidi says he was tortured in prison according to a news report.

Nonetheless, he remains defiant that he did the right despite the fact that the occupation of Iraq continues.

He lamented saying that "Here I am free and the country is still a prisoner."

Al-Zaidi may not see himself as a "hero" but to me and millions of people all around the world he is exactly that and more.

The following statement by Al-Zaidi, quoted at Commondreams.org, is extremely powerful and inspirational even:

"If (people) knew how many destroyed houses I walked over with those shoes that I threw, and how many times those shoes mixed with the blood of the innocent, and how many times those shoes went into homes where the honor of those who lived there was disgraced, then it was the proper response."

We should all have been so moved, and still so, to show our contempt for Bush and American imperialism.

Al-Zaidi is free and the struggle continues.

Onward!